20. Mom and Dad
20
MOM AND DAD
Mara
All day Saturday at my store, I kept hoping to see Ford breeze in, wearing that special smile he seemed to reserve just for me. It was a busy day, but every time the door chimed, I turned to look, hoping to see him.
No such luck.
Early that afternoon, I received a text from Chance’s agent saying she’d been contacted about a movie option for Ghost .
Ford had been busy.
Around closing time Ford finally texted me. A smile spread across my lips as I read his message.
Ford: Hey, beautiful. How was your day?
Me: Great! Busy.
Ford: Me too. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I was tied up with work all day, but I’ve made some special plans for us. Can I pick you up at 9.? Wear something comfortable, but dressy enough for a nice dinner at the end of the day.
Me: Sounds like fun! I can’t wait! See you at 9.
As I locked up my store, my heart swelled with satisfaction. Business was finally good, and the prospect of tomorrow’s date filled me with excitement.
Knowing I’d be busy all day, Zephyr and I dropped by my parents’ house for a visit. The little goofball adored them, especially when Mom slipped him some cheese or chicken.
I knocked briefly and entered the family room next to the spotless kitchen. Dad sat reading in his leather chair, and Mom was on the sofa with her laptop. Something garlicky and delicious lingered in the air.
“Hey, guys,” I said, plopping down next to Mom.
“Zephyr, sweetie!” she said, ignoring me as she placed her computer on the coffee table and patted her lap.
He jumped up next to her and greeted her in his own special way—his signature ear bath. Mom pulled him close and peppered the top of his head with kisses. “How’s my grandbaby doggie today?”
Dad never let us have a pet, so Mom doted on Zephyr.
“Hi. I’m here too,” I teased.
Mom gave me a playfully dismissive wave and kept loving on Zephyr.
“Hi,” Dad said as he tucked in a bookmark to save his place. “We don’t usually see you on a Saturday night.”
“I have plans for tomorrow, so I won’t be able to stop as usual.” I was feeling giddy, like a teenager, constantly checking my phone. Maybe I was getting ahead of myself, but every time I thought of tomorrow, I couldn’t help but smile.
That finally drew Mom’s attention. She raised her eyebrows, looking hopeful. “Tell me you have a date.”
“Actually, I do. With Ford Ross. I mentioned him to you last weekend. He’s in town visiting family.”
Mom’s hopeful expression disappeared. “You didn’t tell me his name was Ford Ross!”
“The one and only,” I confirmed, confused by her reaction.
Dad frowned. “Am I supposed to know who that is?”
Mom tut-tutted. “Only if you ever watch movies or pay attention to the local news. He’s from Sewickley and just won best director at Sundance.” She glanced at me. “Is he a relationship kind of guy? He always seems to be dating someone new.”
Dad grimaced. “And you’re next on his list?”
I tensed. “Relax. It’s just a date.”
“He sounds like a waste of your time. Why date someone who’s just visiting?” Dad insisted.
I narrowed my eyes, hearing him voice my own reservations. This was where I got it from—this need to avoid risk and predict the future. “You need to stop worrying,” I told him, but the words were for me as much as him.
“Have you eaten dinner yet?” Mom asked, changing the subject. “I just put leftovers in the fridge. I can heat them up for you. Lasagna and garlic bread.”
My mouth watered. “Sounds delicious. I love your lasagna.”
While Mom prepared my plate, Dad opened a bottle of wine. Five minutes later, I was sitting at the kitchen island next to my dad, enjoying a delicious meal, while Mom rinsed out the plastic food container.
“I have exciting news to share,” I told them, my excitement bubbling over.
Dad’s expression brightened. “You’re going back to Stel-Wood?”
I ignored him and shook my head, grinning. “Nope. Ford wants to turn Ghost into a movie.”
Mom turned from the sink to face me. “What? Say that again?” She reached back and turned off the running water, then cupped her hand to her ear as though she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard.
“Ford wants to turn Ghost into a movie,” I repeated, enunciating each word carefully.
“That’s amazing!” Mom threw her arms around me. “You’ve poured so much of yourself into keeping Chance’s dream alive. I’m proud of you.”
I laughed as I hugged her back. “It’s not a done deal yet. He’s working with Amy, Chance’s agent. It’s a secret, though, so don’t tell anyone. If word gets out, he might not be able to buy the rights.”
There was a clatter as Dad set his wine glass down too hard on the counter. “Likely story.”
I shot him a look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “Come on, Mara. A secret movie deal? He’s trying to get you into bed, and you’re falling for it.”
My stomach twisted, and for a brief moment, I questioned myself. Was Ford too good to be true? Was Dad right? But then the anger surged up, hot and immediate. “Don’t be so cynical. You haven’t even met the man. Why would you accuse him of something so deceitful?”
Dad shot me a scornful look. “Those Hollywood types are all alike. Out for what they can get.”
Mom scowled at him. “Don’t be hurtful, Thad. Of course, the man doesn’t want news to get out and ruin his deal. People could use the information to their advantage.”
Dad just shook his head. “Stop being naive, you two. If Chance’s comic books were any good, he wouldn’t have had to self-publish them.”
I shot out of my chair, the words cutting deeper than I’d expected. “We’ve been through this before, Dad! He self- published by choice. Dammit, Ghost won awards. Stop saying Chance wasn’t any good!”
Dad just shook his head again, and the look in his eyes said it all. I could never win with him.
“She’s right,” Mom said, her voice firmer now. “And you know it. I have his award framed and hanging on the wall of your office, for God’s sake. Don’t be so dismissive.”
“I just want to watch out for her. Is that wrong?” Dad muttered, his voice softening.
“It is when you say such hurtful things,” Mom snapped.
My heart pounded, the familiar frustration and sadness coiling tight in my chest. I couldn’t stay here. Not tonight. “I’m heading out,” I said, sliding off the stool. “You’ve made up your mind about Chance, and there’s no changing it. But that doesn’t mean I have to stay and listen to you say such cruel things.”
I lifted Zephyr into my arms, my throat tight with unshed tears, and headed for the door. “Thanks for dinner, Mom. It was delicious.”
As I closed the door behind me, the cool air hit my face, but it didn’t soothe the burning anger inside. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to escape his shadow. But this time, I wouldn’t let him ruin it. I wouldn’t let him ruin Ghost .